What if we try this?
Harnessing the Power of COMMUNITY & ECOSYSTEMS
We perceive communities as ecosystems - intricate networks of individuals, organizations, locations, and objects connected visibly and imperceptibly, through formal or informal relationships. Moreover, we recognize that a sense of community and belonging can rapidly emerge as a response to the environment and evolving opportunities. We believe in the power of our social fabric to strengthen our bonds for a resilient future.
Learn more about our COMMUNITY & ECOSYSTEMS work
Learn more about our Tech-Enabled Community Resilience Model:
Designing Meaningful RESEARCH
The KU Social Innovation Lab draws on its multidisciplinary experience and background to craft research that resonates widely. In complex social contexts, many elements—people, groups, systems—interact within and among themselves. Our focus is on identifying the most impactful research that can inform real-world solutions and be understood by all. We tailor methodologies based on the problem at hand, seeking insights from those involved in the solution. Responsive research forms the foundation of innovation. Simply put, we translate research discoveries into action beyond KU’s boundaries to support healthy and vibrant communities.
Learn more about our RESEARCH
Learn more about the impact of our RESEARCH:
The Case for Prevention: Early Childhood Services to Prevent Removals of Children into Foster Care
Quantifying Community Resilience and Population Outcomes: Cohesive Social Care Networks are Protective Against Community Health & Well-Being Declines
Learn more about our frameworks and methods for EVALUATION:
Ecosystems Designed for Change: An Evaluation Framework for Innovators and Leaders: How do you know if you’re making enduring change at scale? This framework outlines an approach for evaluating complex ecosystems and their effectiveness and impact over time.
Creating Transformative TECHNOLOGY
The KU Social Innovation Lab understands how technology can play a role in transformative change at all levels. When we refer to how technology plays a role in transformative change, what we mean by that is the ways in which technology can be used to enable change beyond its specific purpose AND as a result of its implementation. Our forte is building and leveraging technology to address the issues we hear directly from those most affected. Our successful track record in public sector tech innovation speaks to serving the greater good with better tools.
Learn more about our TECHNOLOGY work
Soft Infrastructure as a Service: Ensure Technology Projects are Successful by Leveraging People-Power
Learn more about these TECHNOLOGY products:
Developing Dynamic GOVERNANCE
At the KU Social Innovation Lab, we know things happen at the speed of need and opportunity. Communities are better served when they are included in identifying information and data that helps solve real-world problems or informs actionable policy or interventions. We also know that governance - the process of making collaborative decisions and being accountable to each other - underlies sustainable action and sound policy. It keeps the wheels moving and can be designed to support innovation at all levels. We’ve designed data trust models and also helped make them happen. Navigating tactically to achieve new results for communities builds a foundation for dynamic change.
Learn more about our GOVERNANCE work
Learn more about GOVERNANCE design:
Data Trust Design & Implementation: Establishment of Kansas Early Childhood Data Trust
Dynamic Data Governance: A Model for More Responsive Data Sharing and De-Risking
